These vegan peanut butter balls are a FANTASTIC make-ahead breakfast for a filling and satisfying start to the day. They’re wholesome enough for a healthy snack and sweet enough for dessert.
These delicious energy bites taste like a treat, but they’re made using healthy ingredients that are packed with protein.
Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free for a snack that kids and picky eaters will love.
They have a soft texture that resembles cookie dough, but you won’t feel guilty about enjoying this batter by the spoonful.
If you’re a fan of energy balls, make sure to try my chocolate almond, lemon, and double chocolate versions, too.
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Ingredients + Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this wholesome peanut butter bliss balls recipe.
- Peanut butter: Choose the NATURAL kind where the only ingredient is peanuts. Or use homemade.
- Beans: White beans add protein and volume without additional fat. (There’s already plenty in the nut butter.)
- Almond Flour: Almond flour is ready to consume and can be eaten raw and it’s protein-dense, making it perfect for these peanut butter protein balls. If you cannot have almonds, you may use coconut flour instead but start with half the amount since coconut flour absorbs more liquid.
- Oats: Choose certified gluten-free oats if needed to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination.
- Maple syrup: Or another liquid sweetener of your choice.
Instructions
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Add everything to the bowl of your food processor.
Process until smooth, adding more almond flour, if needed.
Then add the optional mini chocolate chips, if using, and pulse a few times to mix them through.
Roll the mixture into balls and enjoy!
Variations
Mix it up with different nut butters each time you make them.
Try cashew butter, almond butter, walnut butter, pecan butter, or even pistachio butter.
Or try any of these add-ons to mix things up:
- 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter balls.
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- 2-3 tablespoons of shredded coconut. Or roll the finished balls in coconut.
Equipment
I use this Cusinart food processor to make these energy balls.
You MAY use a blender if you don't have a food processor. However, I find it easier to remove the mixture from a food processor, without wasting any of its deliciousness.
Storage
Store your peanut butter balls in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze, use a freezer-safe airtight container and keep them frozen for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips
- Use natural peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts, without added sugar or salt.
- If your nut butter is very drippy, you may need extra almond flour to get the consistency firm enough to roll.
- Roll your balls using damp hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and fingers.
- Try not to overprocess the ingredients or the mixture will heat up, get very soft, and be more difficult to roll. However, if this happens, place the batter in the fridge or freezer until cool.
More delicious peanut butter recipes
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Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can white kidney beans approx. 1.5 cups
- ½ cup peanut butter the kind with JUST peanuts
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¾-1 cup almond flour
Optional
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Drain and rinse your can of beans and add them to your food processor, along with all remaining ingredients, starting with ¾ cup of almond flour. Process until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Check the consistency of your mixture, if it feels too soft or too sticky to shape into balls, add the remaining ¼ cup of almond flour, and pulse to combine.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the mixture and roll it into a half-inch ball. Place it on a sheet of parchment paper or plate and repeat with the remaining peanut butter mixture. You should get around 22 bliss balls.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter where the only ingredient is peanuts, without added sugar or salt.
- If your nut butter is very drippy, you may need extra almond flour to get the consistency firm enough to roll.
- Roll your balls using damp hands to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands and fingers.
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